Machine for printing addresses including means for selecting the lines to be stamped off different printing plates



Aug. 20, 1963 l. SPIAZZI 3,101,046

MACHINE FOR PRINTING ADDRESSES INCLUDING MEANS FOR SELECTING THE LINESTO BE STAMPED OFF DIFFERENT PRINTING PLATES Filed Aug. 2, 1960 10Sheets-Sheet 1 Aug. 20, 1963 l. SPIAZZI 3,101,046

MACHINE FOR PRINTING ADDRESSES INCLUDING MEANS FOR SELECTING THE LINESTO BE STAMPED OFF DIFFERENT PRINTING PLATES Filed Aug. 2, 1960 10Sheets-Sheet 2 lnven'fiar:

l vo ,sfiaLzzd J lffornu Aug. 20, 1963 I l MACHINE FOR PRINTINGADDRESSES INCLUDING MEANS FOR SELECTING THE LINES TO BE STAMPED OFFDIFFERENT PRINTING PLATES Filed Aug. 2, 1960 1 SP AZZI 10 Sheets-Sheet 3fi 26 M 1e cPc 2736/F Home OLOGNA cPc 2736/F B 1 s iazzi Aug. 20, 1963I. SPIAZZ] MACHINE FOR PRINTING ADDRESSES INCLUDING MEANS FOR SELECTINGTHE LINES TO BE STAMPED OFF DIFFERENT IPRINTING PLATES Filed Aug. 2,1960 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 In wanker.- j 519131.21; J

Aug. 20, 1963 sp 3,101,046

MACHINE FOR PRINTING ADDRESSES INCLUDING MEANS FOR SELECTING THE LINESTO BE STAMPED OFF DIFFERENT PRINTING PLATES Filed Aug. 2, 1960 10Sheets-Sheet 5 I l I I I I I I I I I I I l l I inven orfya s iazzi 1.SPIAZZI 3,101,046

SELECTING PLATES l0 Sheets-Sheet 6 Aug. 20, 1963 MACHINE FOR PRINTINGADDRESSES INCLUDING MEANS FOR THE LINES TO BE STAMPED OFF DIFFERENTPRINTING 2. 1960 Filed Aug.

inven r jy Aug. 20, 1963 l. SPIAZZI 3,101,046

MACHINE FOR PRINTING ADDRESSES INCLUDINI'. MEANS FOR SELECTING THE LINESTO BE STAMPED OFF DIFFEREN PRINTING PLATES I Filed Aug. 2, 1960 10Sheets-Sheet 7 In warrior.-

Aug. 20, 1963 l. SPIAZZI 3,101,046

MACHINE FOR PRINTING ADDRESSES INCLUDING MEANS FOR SELECTING THE LINESTo BE STAMPED OFF DIFFERENT PRINTING PLATES Filed Aug. 2, 1960 1OSheets-Sheet 8 in yurka r:

1 y sfiazzi 3 Attaky Aug. 20, 1963 MAC 1. SPlAZZl 3,101,046 HINE FORPRINTING ADDRESSES INCLUDING MEANS FOR SELECTING IFFERENT PRINTINGPLATES THE LINES TO BE STAMPED OFF D Filed Aug. 2, 1960 l0 Sheets-Sheet9 how 1963 l. SPIAZZI 3,

MACHINE FOR PRINTING ADDRESSES INCLUDING MEANS FOR SELECTING THE LINEsTO BE STAMPED OFF DIFFERENT PRINTING PLATES Filed Aug. 2. 1960 10Sheets-Sheet 10 United States Patent 3,1tl1,046 MACEME FQR PRHNTENGADDRESSES INQLUD- HQG MEANS FOR SELEQTING THE LINES T6 BE STAMPED GFFDiFFERENT PRINTING PLATEQ Ivo Spiazzi, Milan, Italy, assignor toFahhrica Itaiiana Macchine Aziendali, Milan, ltaly, a company of ltalyFiled Aug. 2, ram, Ser. No. 47,62t Claims priority, application ItalyAug. 4, 1959 11 Claims. (Cl. 161-57) Machines are already known for theprinting 'of addresses in which use is made of small plates carryingprojecting letters forming said addresses.

In some of said machines, the printing is executed by means of a rubberpad engaging the sheet of carbon which is to be printed and underneathwhich is arranged first the inking ribbon and, further, underneath thelatter, the printing letters raised on the plate. In machines of saidtype including such a pad, the pressure is exerted in a substantiallystatic manner, i.e., there is no shock exerted on the material to beprinted as is the case, in contradistinction, with the usualtypewriters.

in the case of another type of address-printing machine, instead of apad having a flat surface covering the whole area of the plate fromwhich the printing is to be obtained, there is used a cylindrical rollerpressing through a generating line on the material to be printed.

Said roller rolling and progressing over the small printing plate isheld permanently in contact with the surface on which it is appliedalong successive generating lines.

Said second type of machine for the printing of addresses shows anadvantage with reference to the first abovementioned type ofmachineQconsisting in that the material which serves for the printing isnot subjected at the same moment to the totality of the force requiredfor the printing of the entire plate; and, in fact, the force to beexerted at each moment for the printing is only that force required forthe printing of a single line.

It is possible therefore to reduce the weight of the carrier structureproviding the printing reaction. However, the known machines of thislatter type also show certain drawbacks due, for instance, to the majorcomplexity of the movement ofthe presser roller, which movement is, asmentioned hereinabove, a simultaneous rotary and translational movement.

In the comparatively frequent cases where it is desired to print only afraction of the letter press carried by the plate, the roller is cut outin registry with the fraction of the cylindrical surface which is inregistry with that "area of the small plate which is not to be printed.The determination of said area to be removed is not an easy matter; and,furthermore, the lost motion normally employed in the means controllingthe rubber roller produces a de formation of the area which is not to beprinted and this leads to the risk of an inaccurate printing.

From the above, it is apparent that each of the two methods providedhitherto for printing in address-printing machines shows seriousdrawbacks.

It also is of substantial importance to note that the number of copiesobtainable with the above-disclosed methods is limited.

A further drawback resides in the fact that, since the printing actionin both cases is obtained, as already mentioned, by a static pressure,it is not possible to resort to the conventional carbon papers which areused with typewriters; and, still less, to those carbon papers soldunder the name Monocarbon which are, on the other hand, in use for thecontinuous printing material serving for printing in tabulating machinesoperating with perforated cards. This last type of paper iscomparatively 2. cheap and serves only for one printing operation, afterwhich it is destroyed.

The address-printing machines may, for the kind of work which they arefrequently caused to execute, use conveniently continuous printingmaterial, since it is often required to stamp in succession theindications carried by a succession of printing plates.

The continuous printing material has furthermore for its advantage thepossibility of a preliminary typographic execution, so that the data tobe printed subsequently by the printing plate fall into predeterminedprepared spaces.

If it is desired to obtain copies with continuous printing material, thecarbon sheets required will be expensive and increase substantially thecost of operation.

The present invention has for its object chiefly to remove the drawbacksof the above-mentioned machines.

The machine for printing addresses according to the invention ischaracterized by the fact that the different lines of a printing plateare printed singly oil the corresponding plate by means of a series ofpads independent of each other, means being provided for the control ofthe printing of the successive pads, while further means may be providedfor selecting those pads which are to act on a given plate, whereby allthe lines of said plate or only selected lines are printed.

With the printing machine forming the object of the invention, thesedifferent dnawbacks of prior printing 7 methods are removed. It willappear, from the reading of the present disclosure, that the printingobtained has a gradual character similar to that obtained with aprinting roller; and the instantaneous printing pressure is thereforelimited. This allows an extremely easy cutting out of the areas of aplate which are not to be printed, in contradistinction with the methodoperating with a roller, since the printing pressure is obtained bymeans of fiat surfaces 'which are set in contact with the successivelines formed on the printing plate. In contradistinction with bothabove-mentioned methods, the pressure defining the prin ing action isobtained by a shock. This affords the possibility of producing acomparatively high number of copies by resorting to carbon paper of themonocarbon type which is comparatively cheap, as already mentioned.

The following description of certain examples is given without anyintention of unnecessarily limiting the scope of the invention,reference being made to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above and from the front of the actualmachine.

a FIG. 2 is a plan view of the machine after removal of certain coveringparts, so as to aliow an easier inspection of the printing section.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-section of the printing head, thecross-section passing through line ill-ill of FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a transverse cross-section of the printing head.

FIG. 5 shows the component parts of the printing head in its printingposition, said figure forming a detail crosssection.

FIG. 6 shows a punched plate of the type employed in this machine.

FIG. 7 shows the printed paper obtained with said plate.

FIG. 8 shows the printing head in position providing for partialprinting of the letter press from the plate, said FIG. 8 being across-section through line VHI-VIII of FIG. 9.

FIG. 9 is a transverse cross-section of the printing head shown in theposition corresponding to FIG. 8.

'FIG. 10 shows a punched plate with a number of sliders thereon. p 7

' FIG. 11 shows a partly printed paper obtained through a printing platecarrying indicator sliders.

7 conventional manner.

6 FIG. 12 is a wiring diagram of the control means for the printinghead.

FIG. 13 is a graph corresponding to said wiring diagram.

FIG. 14 shows the printing head with control means cutting out theprinting of certain parts, in a case where the control of the differentlines to be printed or to be omitted may be obtained by hand.

FIG. 15 shows the control means forming part of the head in FIG. 14, ina position allowing the printing operation.

FIG. 16 shows a modified embodiment of the printing head.

FIG. 17 is a view from above ofthe modification illustrated in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an elevational view of the printing head made according toFIG. 16.

FIG. 19 shows a further modification of the printing head.

'FIG. 20 is a view from below of the printing machine as a whole.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the selecting mechanism.

FIG. 22 shows a detailed relating to a selector slider associated with aprinting plate.

Turning to FIG. 1, the machine shown in perspective view includes acontainer for the printing plates, as shown at 3, the different platesbeing designated by 26. FIG. 1 also shows a slideway bounded by twolateral guides 6 and 7. At the end of said 'slideway, there is provideda chamber forremoving the plates, as shown at 4.

The intermediate area between the two said containers 3 and 4 is that inwhich the selection and the printing of the plates or of predeterminedlines on the latter are performed, as disclosed hereinafter. For suchoperations, there is provided an arrangement contained in a printing arm2, secured in overhanging relationship, as shown in FIG. 1, over thehorizontal plane 1 of the printing machine. The inside of said arm 2 maybe reached after raising of the cover 17 of said arm 2.

In said FIG. 1 are also shown an inking ribbon over which the paper tobe printed is passed, and two removable plates 11 and 12, which aretaken away when the inking ribbon is to be removed and are replacedafter insertion of a fresh ribbon.

FIG. 1 also shows at 8 a location for the selection sliders.Furthermore, there are shown three push buttons 14, and 16 controlling,respectively the operative steps, to wit: the printing, the progressionof the printing plates and progressing with'the printing. Said pushbuttons act on the switches 14/1, 15/1 and '16/1 shown in the wiringdiagram of FIG. 12 to be described hereinafter.

In FIG. 2 are also shown, from above, the members executing theprinting, which members are housed inside the arm 2. A motor 13 isprovided with a speed reducer 19, the slowly rotating output shaft ofwhich controls a one-cycle clutch operating during one revolution in aSaid clutch is controlled for the execution of the printing by means ofan elect-romagnet 22 (FIG; 12). The one-cycle clutch is adapted toconnect a continuous rotary shaft with the controlled shaft, so as tomake the latter execute a single revolution through 360, after which itis automatically disconnected.

The difierent printing operations are executed by means of a mechanicalarrangement subjected, either for a selection of the plates which it isdesired to print, or for a selection of the linesto be printed off agiven plate, to the action of an electric system described hereinafter.

The mechanical arrangement includes the shaft 23 driven by the shaft 20through the clutch 21. The shaft 23 carries a series of eight camsdesignated by the reference numerals 25/1 to 25/8 (see FIGS. 4 and 5),which are keyed to the shaft 23 by a key 24/1. Said cams correspondeachto one of the eight embossed lines of print (FIG. 6) provided on any ofthe plates 26 and to one of the lines of the conventional sterotypelines provided in addressing machines before and behind the printingplates. In the accompanying drawings, said sterotype lines are not shownfor sake of simplicity, but it should be understood that they aresubject to the general considerations governing the invention, sincethey show no particular characteristic features relating to the lines ofa printing plate.

In registry with said series of cams, there are shown a correspondingnumber of platens designated by the references ranging between 23/1 and28/8. More accurately, each of the platens 28/1 to 28/8 is carriedsubstantially in the plane of the corresponding cam 25/1 to 25/8 and isprovided with a large opening surrounding its cor-responding cam.

Each platen carries at its lower end a pad-carrying member provided inits turn at its lower end with a rubber pad. Said pad carriers aredesignatedxby the references 44/1 to 44/8 and the corresponding padssecured to said carriers are designated by the references 51/1 to 51/ 2.

Each platen 28/1'to 28/8 engages at its lower end a U-shaped seat cut inthe corresponding pad carrier 44/1 to 44/8, which latter is connected atopposite ends thereof with the platen through the agency of two springs47/1 and 48/ 1. Each of said spring is connected at its upper end withthe platen and at its lower end with the corresponding pad carrier. Thesecuring points of the springs to the platen are designated by thereference numerals 4-5/1 and 46/1. This arrangement allows an easyreplacement, when required, of the actual pad carried.

The pad carrier, furthermore, cannot execute any longitudinal slidingwith reference to the corresponding platen because of the presence oftwo pins 49/1 and 59/1 which are housed in corresponding recesses formedin opposite ends of the corresponding platen.

Each of the above-described platens is adapted to be shifted verticallyand is guided to this end by four combshaped structures that are 2-9,30, 31 and 32. Said combshaped structures adapted to guide the differentplatens are secured to four uprights having a square cross-section anddesignated respectively by the reference numerals 38, 39, 40 and 41.Said uprights are in their turn secured to two lateral shoulders 42 and43 rigid with the abovementioned arm 2 (FIG. 2). In order to provide forthe H downward shifting of each platen 28/1 to 2 8/ 8, there areprovided for each platen two springs 52/1 and 52 1, the upper ends ofwhich are secured to the corresponding platen, while their lower endsare secured respectively to the uprights 4-1 and 40. Said springs areconstantly tensioned so as to urge the platens downwardly.

Furthermore, each of the platens is provided with a catch such as 55/1.Each of the eight catches is mounted loose on a shaft 56 secured to thearm 2 and is subjected to the action of a spring 59/ 1, and said springis secured at one end to the corresponding catch and at its other end toa small auxiliary plate 60 rigid with the upright 38.

wise when seen from the side illustrated in FIG. 3. The catch is guidedby a comb-shaped member 57 secured to a rod 58 having a squarecross-section and rigid with said shoulders 42 and 43.

The reference numerals 63/ 1' to 63/ 8 designate eight electromagnets,each of which corresponds with one of the catches 55/1. Eachof saidelectromagnets 63/1 to 63/8 carries an armature 62/1 connected through arod 61/1 with the corresponding catch 55/ 1. As illustrated in FIGS. 2and 8, the electromagnets 63/1 to 63/8 are located in staggeredformation with reference to one another and are carried by a step in theshoulder 42.'

Each of the catches 55/ 1 is adapted to enter, as clearly shown in FIGS.3 and 8, a recess 53/ 1, in the corresponding platen, such as 23/11.Said catch may engage at its lower end said. platen through the agencyof a tooth 54/1 on the latter. The electromagnet 63/1 corresponding Saidspring urges the corresponding catch to rock clockto the platen 28/1 isadapted to release it from the catch.

Each of the platens 28/1 to 28/8 carries a projection 65/11 adapted toengage, as shown in FIG. 3, the section of the corresponding cam 25/1having the larger radius.

The eight cams 25/1 to 25/8 are angularly shifted with reference to oneanother, so that, as described hereinafter, it is possible to producethe printing of the corresponding lines at successive moments. I

As to the operation of thearrangement described hereinabove, it shouldbe observed that, during the rotation of the shaft 23, the various cams25/1 to 25/8 release in succession their projections 65/1 to 65/8 on thecorresponding platens 28/1 to 28/ 8. 1

Consequently, the platens 28/1 to 28/8 which have een precedinglyreleased with reference to the corresponding catch 55/ 1 begin movingdownwardly under the action of the corresponding spring 52/1 and 52 /11to produce the printing of the corresponding lines.

In the example illustrated and as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the lines ofeach plate and, consequently, the lines to be printed are eight innumber, and correspond to the eight pads 51/1 to 51/8 carried by theeight platens 28/1 to 28/8.

During the rotation of said shaft 23, those platens which have remained,on the contnary, engaged by the corresponding catches 55/1 remain intheh' raised posiinking ribbon already illustrated in FIG. 1, themovement of which is pro duced in a conventional manner, for instance asillustrated through the agency of a connecting rod 95, connected to aneccentric member 97 keyed to a shaft 8. The movement of shaft 98 isproduced by a motor and speed-reducing gear 181 through the agency ofthe bevel wheels 99 and 109.

The shaft 98, which rotates continuously, controls through the two cams136 and 131 the closing and the opening of the switches 1138/1 and151/1, the closing periods of which are illustrated in FIG. 13, asexplained hereinafter. The purpose of said switches consists in ensuringsynchronism between the progresssion of the printing plates and theprinting operation, as described hereinafter.

The same shaft 98 transmits its movement through the eccentric member148 to the group of selecting sliders 8.

Consequently, and as shown in FIG. 20, the inking ribbon i 110 land theselecting slider group 8 are subjected to progression at each revolutionof the reducing gear 1&1. Said speed-reducing gear 181 controls, throughthe agency of a one-cycle clutch 182 and under the control of anelectromagnet 183, the rotation of an eccentric memher 184 secured tothe shaft 158. Said eccentric memher 184 produces, through the agency ofthe connecting rod 105, a reciprocating movement of the spindle 186,

which in its turn and through thegears 107 and 188 produces the forwardand rearward shifting of the lever 109 connected with the sliding member:110 providing for the progression of the printing plates. To the shaft168 are secured furthermore the cams 78, 88 and 132 (see is designatedby 76, a second series of twenty-four sockets being designated by thereferences 85/11 to 88/24, a third series also of twenty-four socketsbeing designated by the references 811 /31 to 88 /24, and a fourthseries of sockets including in its turn four groups. Said last fourgroups are constituted respectively by a group of eight sockets 82/1 to82/8, by a group of sockets designated by the letter N, by a third groupdesignated by the letter P and a fourth group of eight socketsdesignated by the references 83/1 to 83/8. The sockets of the firstseries 75 may receive current from the positive terminal of atransformer and rectifier group 77 through the switch 78/ 1, the openingand closing of which are controlled by a cam 78, as describedhereinafter. Said sockets 76 may be electrically connected with thecorresponding sockets 88/1 to 80/24 by means of connecting jacksoperable by hand. in FIG. 12, one of said jacks is illustrated by way ofexampic at 161.

Between each socket of the series ranging between 80/1 and 88/24 and thecorresponding socket of the series 88 1 to 88 /24, say, between thesockets 88/3 and 88 /3, there is provided a switch which may be closedthrough an indicator slider (described below) on one of the printingplates, say the indicator defining the third line. In the presentdescription, reference will be made hereinafter, by way of example, tothe manner of closing such switches by the indicator sliders.

The sockets 811 /1 to /24 form thus the output ends of such switches andthey may, in their turn, be connected, through suitable jacks, to beintroduced by hand, with the sockets of the groups carrying thereferences 82/1 to 82/8, N, P and 83/1 to 83/8.

The sockets of the group P are all connected electrically with aterminal of a relay winding 81, the other terminal of which is connectedwith the negative terminal of the transformer and rectifier group 77through a resistance 87. Said relay '81 is adapted to close nineswitches which carry the references 81/1 to 81/9.

Of these last switches, that designated by the reference numeral 81/11is adapted to maintain the energization of the relay 81 and even when nocurrent is fed thereto by the sockets P, said energization of the relayis maintained through said switch 81/1 and this is obtained as long asthe switch 88/1 controiled by a cam 88 is closed, said cam 88 beingkeyed, similarly to the cam 73, to the shaft 168 controlling theprogression of the printing plates (see FIG. 20). The shaft 161% issynchronous with the shaft 23 carrying the cam 89 described hereinafter(see FIG. 2).

The sockets of the group N are also electrically connected with therelay 81, but through the terminal opposite to that connected with thesockets P. The sockets of the group 83/1 to 83/ 8 are electricallyconnected with eight relays designated by the reference numerals 84/1 to84/8. More accurately, each socket 83/ 1, etc. is connected with aterminal of one of the relays 84/ 1, etc. Between each socket 83/ 1,etc. and its corresponding relay 84/1, etc. is inserted a diode 85/1 to85/8 adapted to prevent any pas sage of current in the oppositedirection. The other terminal of each relay 84/1, etc. is connected withthe nega tive terminal of the transformer and rectifiying group 77 withthe interposition of a resistance 86/1 to 86/8.

, Each of the relays 8-1/1, etc. is adapted to close two switchesforming part respectively of two series of switches designatedrespectively by 84 1 to 84 /1 and by 84 /2 to 84 /2. 1 r

In the example considered, the genenal reference se /s, r is selected asany of the digits 1 to 8, defining the number corresponding to therelays 84/ 1, etc., while s designates the numbers allotted to the saidtwo series of switches, s being equal to 1 or to 2.

For instance, the relay 84/5 corresponds in thetwo series to twoswitches, respectively 84 /1 and 84 /2.

The switches 84 /1 to 84 /1 serve for maintaining the energization ofthe eight relays 84/1 to 84/ 8, even when the sockets 83/ 1, 83/8 arenot fed with ourrent. Said relays are self-energized during the closingof the switch 88/1 in the same manner as the relay 81 describedhereinabove.

The sockets 82/ 1, etc. are also connected with the relays 84/1, etc.but through the terminal opposed to that connected with the sockets 83/1, etc.

The wiring diagram shows the eight electromagnets already referred toand designated by 63/ 1, 63/8. As illustrated in FIG. 12, each of saidelectromagnets may be energized by the closing of two of theseprecedingly described switches. These switches are those at 81/2 to81/9, controlled by the relay 81, and the switches 64 /2 to 84 /2controlled by the relays 84/ 1, etc. V For instance, the electromagnet63/ 4 may be energized by the closing of the switch 81/5 and of theswitch 84 /2. In all cases, the actual energization of any magnet 63/1', etc. is obtained only if the switch 89/1 is closed, which latter isactuated by the cam 89 keyed to the shaft 23.

In the same diagram of FIG. 12 is illustrated the clutch winding 22 fedby a circuit passing through the switch If the last-mentioned switch isclosed, as already mentioned hereinabove, there is obtained for eachoperative cycle of the machine, and as already mentioned, anenergization of the winding 22 and therethrough a rotation of the shaft23.

Furthermore, in FIG. 12, there is shown the switch 15/1 which isactuated through the push button 15 and the closing of which energizesthe electromagnet 103.

A .switch 16/ 1 controlled by the push button 16 is adapted to providefor the energization of a relay 133 when the switch 131/ 1 is closed bythe cam 131. The relay 133 controls three switches 133/ 1, 133/2 and133/3.

The switch 133/1 maintains the energization of said relay 133 during theclosure of the switch 130/1 actuated by the cam 130.

The switch 133/2 allows, through its closing, the energization of thewinding .22 during the closing of a switch 132/ 1 controlled by a cam132 keyed to the shaft 160.

The switch 133/3 allows, when closed, the energization of the winding103.

In the graph illustrated in FIG. 13, the range between 0 and 360corresponds to a complete revolution of the shaft 23, said graph showingthat the cam 78 closes the switch 78/1 in the range between 170 and 190,the cam 88 maintains the closing of the switch 88/1 between 0 and 160and between 173 and 360 and the cam 89 closes the switch 89/1 between110 and 160.

The same graph shows at 90 the successive intervals in the rotationduring which the printing of the eight lines of a plate may be executed,i.e. the times required, as drawn clearly in solid lines, for thesuccessive pads 51/ 1, etc. to engage the corresponding lines punched inthe plate, the projections 65/1 being released in succession by the cams25/11, etc. The first of said operations begins at 120 and the lastoperation ends at 160.

Said graph shows furthermore the closing period for the switch 131/1under the action of the cam 131, said period extending between 310 and355. The closing period for the switch 130/1 under the action of the cam130 extends between 310 and 30 in the next cycle, and, finally, theclosing period for the switch 132/ 1 under the action of the cam i132extends between 5 and 30. Lastly, said graph shows the period ofprogression of the printing plate between 210 and 360.

Upon actuation of the push button 16 controlling the printing and theprogression of the plates, the switch 16/1 is closed and energizes therelay 133 during the closing of the switch 131/ 1.

Said relay 133 closes its switches 133/1, 1.33/2 andv duces,'as long asthe switch 132/1 is closed, the energizacomplete plate.

*8 tion of the winding 22 providing for the rotation of the shaft 23controlling the actual printing operation.

Thus, the progression of the plates and the printing follow each otherin accurate phase relationship, as required by the operation of themachine. In the case where it is desired to produce the printing withoutany progression of the printing plates, it is sufiicient to depress thepush button 14 which energizes the winding 22 producing the printingoperation without any energization of the solenoid 103 controlling theprogression of the printing plates.

in contradistinction, if it is desired to control the progression of theplates without any printing, it is sufiicient to depress the push button15 which closes the switch 15/1 which energizes the solenoid 103.

A number of operations will now be described, which may be executed withthe mechanical and electrical arrangement controlling the printing orabsence of printing, as disclosed hereinabove.

Said examples relate to the case of plates carrying eight lines, asillustrated in FIGS. 6 and 10 and of which it may be desired to producea complete printing, as illustrated in FIG. 7 or a partial printinglimited to certain lines.

Assuming it is desired, for instance, to obtain the printing of acomplete plate carrying an indicator slider in its first position, anyof the sockets 76 is connected by means of a jack with the socket 80/ 1and the socket 80 /1 with any of the sockets P.

The plate in its selection position provides for the closing of theconnection between the sockets 80/1 and 80 /1. Consequently, when, atthe beginning of the period ranging between 170 and 190 (*FIG. 13), theswitch 78/1 is closed, current is caused to pass through the relay 81,which latter closes its nine switches 81/1 to 81/9.

Beyond the point corresponding to 180 in FIG. 13,

the current no longer feeds the relay 81 through the socket in the groupP, since the switch 78/1 is open, but current is fed to said relaythrough the agency of the closed switch 81/1 upon closing of the switch88/11, as illustrated in the graph of FIG. 13.

The relay 81 remains thus energized and, consequently, the switches 81/2to 81/9 remain closed, which correspond to the eight electromagnets 63/1to 63/ 8.

During the next cycle and starting from the point at in FIG. 13, theswitch 89/1 is closed and, consequently, the eight electromagnets 63/1to 63/8 are ener- =by reason of the closing of the switches 81/2 to Theenergization of said eight electromagnets produces through the armatures62/1 and the rods 61/1 an angular shifting of the eight catches 5-5/1and thereby the disengagement of the latter with reference to the eightplatens 28/ 1.

Immediately thereupon and during the period extending between and thereis obtained at successive moments the disengagement of the projections65/1 from the corresponding cams 25/1, etc., which leads to the downwardmovement of all the platens 23/1 under the action of the springs 52/ 1and 28/1. 7

Thus, all the pads 51/1, etc carried by the platens sink onto the eightlines and provide for the printing of the In the example considered, ithas been assumed that the .indicator slider was in the first position onthe printing plate. If said indicator slider. were located at anotherposition, for instance in a third position with a same connectionbetween a socket 76 and the socket 80/1 and between the socket 80 /i1anda socket of the group P, the energization of the relay 81 could not beobtained and, consequently, the printing plates passing from theselecting position a into the printing position would notbe printed. Theindicator slider being in said third position, it is possible to obtaina complete printing of the plate as in the preceding example byproviding a preliminary connection by means ofa jack between a'socket ofthe group 53 76 and the socket 80/3 and between the socket 80 /3 and asocket of the group P.

Assuming it is now desired to execute the printing of a single line, saythe first line of a plate, it is necessary, to this end, to firstlyposition the indicator slider, say in the first position on said plate.

There are then provided through jacks a connection between any socket ofthe group 76 and the socket 80/1 and the connection between the socket550 /1 and 83/11. The plate in its selecting position produces, throughits indicator slider, the closing of the circuit between said sockets80/1 and 80 /1.

At the beginning of the period extending from 170 to 190, the cam 78closes the switch 73/ 1 as in the case of the preceding example and,consequently, current may feed the relay 84/1 and energize the latter.Said relay, when energized, closes the corresponding switches 84 /1 and84 /2. The relay 84/1 remains energized through its switch 34 /1throughout the duration of the closing of the switch 88/1 (see FIG. 13).As a result when the printing plate subsequently passes from theselecting position to the printing position, it closes during the nextcycle the switch 89/1 at the beginning of the period extending from 110to 160, so that the electromagnet winding 63/1 is energized; saidelectromagnet thus releases the platen 28/1 with reference to the catch55/1 through which the printing of the first line is allowed. As in thepreceding example, the printing is executed between 120 and 160 duringwhich period the switch 89/1 is permanently closed.

The printing of several lines off a same plate may be obtained in thesame manner through a preliminary adjustment. For instance, if it isdesired to print the first and the third lines, it is necessary for thetwo indicator sliders to be fitted over the plate, say at the third andat the fifth position.

In such a case, it is necessary to execute the connection through a jackbetween a socket 76 and the socket 811/3 and also between another socket'76 and the socket ss/s. Furthermore, the socket 811 3 is connected withthe socket 83/3 and the socket dil with the socket 83/5. This energizesthe two relays 84/3 and 34/5, of which the former closes the switches 84/1 and 84 /2 and the latter closes the switches 84 /1 and 84 /2. The twoswitches 84 /1 and 84 /1 maintain the two relays in their energizedcondition during the closing of the switch-83H. This being done; duringthe closing of the switch 89/1 between 110 and 160, the electromagnetsd3/ 3 and 63/ 5 are energized. During the period extending between 120and 160, the printing of the third and fifth lines is thus executed.

FIGS. 8, 9 and 11 relate to the printing, by way of example, of thesecond, third and eight lines of the plate illustrated in FIG. 10. Saidlines counted from the lower end of the plate are shown as printed inFIG. 11 and their printing is obtained through the platens 28/ 2, 28/3and 28/8. FIG. 8 shows the platen 28/ 3 in its lowered position, theelectromagnet 63/3 being energized, while the platen 28/4 shown in saidfigure is shown in its raised position, since the electromagnet 63/4 isnot energized.

Considering now a more complicated case wherein, in addition to theconnection between the sockets 76 and 80/1 and between the sockets 31 1and one of the sockets 1, there is provided a further connection betweenthe socket 76 and the socket 80/2 and between the socket 80 /2 and asocket N; and assuming, furthermore, that the plate in its selectingposition carries an indicating slider, both in the position 1 and in theposition 2, in such a case, during the closing period of the switch 78/1, electric energy will be applied both to the socket N and to thesocketP. The relay 81 subjected to equal voltages at both terminals will notbe energized and, consequently, neither of the magnets 63/1 to 63/8 willbe energized so that said plate is not printed.

This is an example of a negative selection, the practical use of whichis comparatively frequent.

If it is now assumed that the printing of a single line of a plate is tobe executed, by associating a positive and a negative selection, thereis provided a connection between the sockets /1 and tiS/l. There is alsoprovided a connection between the sockets 76 and 819/22 and between thesockets 36 2 and 82/ 1.

Assuming further that a plate located in the selecting position isprovided, in addition to the indicator slider in position 1, also withan indicator slider in position 2, there is fed current during theclosing period of the switch 78/1, both to the socket 83/1 and to thesocket 32/1 and, consequently, to both terminals of the relay 84/ 1. Thelatter receiving equal voltages across the two terminals of its windingis not energized and, consequently, none of the lines of the plateshifted between the selecting position and the printing position isprinted.

Also, this possibility of a combined positive and negative selection isof considerable interest for various practical applications.

As far as the indicating and selecting sliders are concerned, it ispossible to provide the printing plates with sliders, each of which maydefine one or two selecting positions. For instance, the slider 163 ofFIG. 22 carries a section corresponding to one selected position, while,of the sliders illustrated in FIG. 10 in different positions, two ofthem carry a single section, and the third or intermediate slidercarries two sections oorresponding to two selected positions. Since theprinting plates of the example considered are adapted to carry twelvesliders, it is apparent that twenty-four selected positions areavailable. In said FIG. 22, thecon-nection between a slider and aprinting plate 26 is illustrated in detail.

FIG. 21 shows separately the mechanical arrangement provided for closingthe connections to be obtained between corresponding sockets of theseries 80/1, 89/24, on the one hand, and of the series 80 /1, dil /24,on the other hand. For each cycle of the machine, the shaft 98 executesone revolution, which produces through the eccentric member 148 and alever 14 1) the rising and lowering of a blade 141. The latter, in itsinoperative posit-ion, engages twenty-four insulating sleeves 142/ k,each of which is rigid with a small rod 143/k, It being any figureranging between 1 and 24. For each of the twenty-four small rods 143/16,there is provided a spring 144/ku1rging the corresponding rod upwardly.

Furthermore, there is provided in registry with each of said small rodsa couple of contact-pieces, to Wit: a contact-piece 151/k carried by aspring 145/ k and a stationary contact-piece 152/ k. The saidcontact-pieces are connected with the corresponding sockets of theseries 80/1, etc. and Sti /1, etc.

The twenty-four small rods 14-3/k correspond to the twenty-four possibleselected positions defined by the above-mentioned sections of thesliders. tion of the shaft 98 and rising of the blade 141, the small rod143/]: impinges against one of said sections, the contact-pieces 151/kand 1S2/k associated therewith remain in their circuit-closing position.

If, on the contrary, said small rod is allowed to rise so that the edge14 9/]: of the corresponding sleeve 142/k urges upwardly the end of thecorresponding spring 146/ k, this produces a separation or spacing ofthe cooperating contact-pieces 151/]: and 152/k.

According as to whether the contact-pieces considered are spaced apartorotherwise, current will be prevented from passing or will pass,respectively, between the corresponding sockets 89/1, etc. and 86 /1,etc. during the period of closure of the switch 78/1 by the cam 78;

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a modification according to which theselection for printing or non-printing the lines of a printing plate isperformed by hand. Since the modification in FIGS. 14 and 15 is similarto the embodi- If, upon rotaferred to hereinabove.

I platen 228/i and the other engages the cam 225/ 1.

ment illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5, to the extent that a series of eightplatens and corresponding catches therefore are employed, only oneplaten (28/1) and the corresponding latch ('55/1) and controlling lever(121/1) therefore will be described in detail. In said figures, thecatch 55/1 is connected with a lever 121/ 1 through a rod 120/1pivotally secured to said catch at one end and to the lever at the otherend 66/1. Above the point where it is connected to the rod end 66/1, thelever 121/ i is pivotally connected to a stationary shaft 67.

At its lower end, the lever 121/1 has two notches 68/1 and 69/1 adaptedto be engaged by a blade spring 70/1 secured to a rod 71 having a squarecross-section and secured in its turn between the shoulders 42 and 43re- The upper end 72/1 of the lever 121/1 projects beyond a guidingcomb-shaped member 73 secured to a further rod 74 extending between theshoulders 42 and 43.

In the position illustrated in FIG. 14, the end of any of the eightsprings such as 7tl/i engages the notch 69/i of the corresponding lever121/1 and, as shown in said FIG. 14, the corresponding platen 28/1 isengaged by the catch '5/1.

Manual shifting of the lever releases, as indicated in FIG. 15, saidplaten 28/ i from said catch 55/ i, following which, and as soon as thecam 25/1 has rotated so as to release the projection 65/ i, the platen28/1 may descend and execute the printing of the corresponding line.

It is thus possible to selectively print any of the lines by shiftingany one of the eight levers of the type illustrated at 121/1.

It is possible, with the arrangement described hereinabove, to positionmanually said arrangement in a preliminary manner, with a view toprinting or not printing the printing plates of a given series.

Further modifications of the kinematic system produc :ing the printingof the lines are shown, by way of eX- ample, in FIGS. 16 to 19.

i is shown a spring 94/1 secured to one end of a stationary rod 126having a square cross-section, while the other end of said spring issecured to the corresponding lever 9 3/1. Said spring has a tendency tourge the lever into counterclockwise rotary movement, as seen in FIG.16. A catch 92/1 rockably secured to a stationary piv-ot 127 isconnected through a rod 128/1 to the armature of an electromagnet 63/ 1.Said catch 92/1 engages, as shown in FIG. -16, the upper end of one ofthe arms of the lever 93/1.

Ofthe two other arms of the lever, one engages the Rotation of the cam25/1 in a direction such as will release the corresponding lever armfrom the section of major radius'of the cam will cause said lever 93/ ito rock under the action of the spring 94/1, but only when it has beenprecedinglyreleased with reference to the catch 2/ i under the action ofthe electromagnet 63/ i. The different electromagnets of the type shownat 63/ i are controlled, in the case considered, by the same means asthose described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 12.

In the modified embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19,.there isprovided a lever 193/ i for each of the eight platens 228/1, which leveris slightly difierent from that illustrated in the preceding'exarnpleand is controlled by a catch 130/1, so as to determine whether a line isto 12 be printed or otherwise, while the other arm of the lever, insteadof being controlled by a cam 225/1, is controlled by a lever 95.

The catch 13ii/1 is adapted to rock clockwise when looking at FIG. 19.Thus, when the lever is also rocked in the same direction, platen 228/ iis released and causes the printing of the corresponding line.

What I claim is:

1. In an address-printing machine, operating through printing plateseach carrying the same number of lines, a plurality of separate padseach corresponding to the location of one line of thep rinting plates, aseries of parallel vertical platens each rigid with one of said pads,elastic means urging said platens downwardly to make the pads print thecorresponding line, a series of coaxial cams adapted each to shift thecorresponding platen and pad away from the plate, a shaft carrying thecams and adapted to make each cam release the corresponding platen for apredetermined position of said shaft, a catch adapted to engage eachplaten to hold it against the action of the elastic means, anelectromagnetic controlling each catch to shift it into and out ofengagement with the corresponding platen, a first series of sockets, asource of electrical energy, a connection between one terminal of saidsource and said sockets, a cam controlling said connection, meansproducing simultaneously a progression of the printing plates between aselecting position and a printing position and a rotation of thelast-mentioned cam to close said connection while the plate is in itsselecting position, a second series of sockets adapted to be connectedselectively with sockets of the first series, a third series of sockets,at least one slider carried by each printing plate and corresponding toa predetermined line to be printed and controlling connection betweencooperating sockets of the second and third series, a fourth series ofsockets adapted to be connected selectively with sockets of the thirdseries, a series ofrelays each of which is connected through one endwith a corresponding socket of the fourth series, a resistanceconnecting the other end of each relay with the other terminal of thesource, two switches controlled by each of said relays, of whichswitches one provides self-energization of the corresponding energizedrelay, a connection between the first-mom tioned terminal of the sourceand the first-mentioned ends of the relays, and means controlled by themeans controlling .the progression of the plates for closing thelastmentioned connection just prior to the opening of the connectionbetween the source and the first series of sockets, said closing of saidlast-mentioned connection lasting up to the next printing cycle toensure the self-energization of the energized relays through the firstswitches controlled thereby, a plurality of circuits each of whichplaces each electromagnet in parallelism with one of said relays, andeach of which is closed by the second switch of said one relay whenenergized, and a further'switch controlling the electromagnet circuitsas a group and which is closed throughout the printing of the selectedlines.

of a further series of sockets adapted to be each connected with asocket of the third series and connected with said other end of one ofsaid relays.

3. In a machine as claimed in claim 1, the provision of a further seriesof sockets adapted to be each connected with a socket of the thirdseries and connected with said other end of one of said relays, a stillfurther group of sockets adapted to be connected with sockets of thethird series, a further relay connected through one terminal with saidstill further group of sockets and through its other terminal with saidother terminal of the source, a plurality of switches controlled by saidfurther relay, a further circuit providing for the self-energization ofsaid furtherrelay and controlled by one of the switches of thelast-mentioned plurality of switches and by said means 2. In a machineas claimed in claim 1, the provision,

1?: controlled by the means controlling the progression of the plates,and means whereby each of the other switches of said last-mentionedplurality of switches is connected in parallel with one of said secondswitches of the firstmentioned series of relays to control theelectromagnets.

4. In a machine as claimed in claim 1, the provision of a further seriesof sockets adapted to be each connected with a socket of the thirdseries and connected with said other end of one of said relays, a stillfurther group of sockets adapted to be connected with sockets of thethird series, a further relay connected through one terminal with saidstill further group of sockets and through its other terminal with saidother terminal of the source, a plurality of switches controlled by saidfurther relay, a further circuit providing for the self-energization ofsaid further relay and controlled by one of the switches of thelast-mentioned plurality of switches and by said means controlled by themeans controlling the progression of the plates, means whereby each ofthe other switches of said last-mentioned plurality of switches areconnected in parallel with one of said second switches of thefirst-mentioned series of relays to control the eleotromagnets, a i

still further series of sockets adapted to be connected with sockets ofthe third series, and connected with said other terminal of said furtherrelay.

5. In an address'printing machine operating through printing plates eachcarrying the same number of lines, a plurality of separate pads eachcorresponding to the location of one line of the printing plates, meansadapted to carry the printing plates into registry with thecorresponding pads, a series of platens adapted to move vertically inparallel vertical planes and each carrying at its lower end acorresponding one of said pads, springs urging each platen downwardly toproduce the printing operation on the corresponding line, a series ofearns each adapted to shift, during a predetermined lapse of time, thecorresponding platen away from the corresponding printing plate, acommon shaft perpendicular to the vertical planes of the platens andcarrying said cams in angularly shifted locations, means rotating saidshaft to make each cam release the corresponding platen at apredetermined angular position of said shaft, a primary shaft, a clutchoperatively interconnecting the primary shaft with the cam-carryingshaft, an electromagnet controlling said clutch to make it operateduring one revolution of the primary shaft, a further electromagnetcontrolling the progression of the successive plates to their printingposition in registry with said corresponding pads,

circuits controlling said last-mentioned electromtagnets twohand-operable switches controlling two of said circuits, said firstmentioned circuits further including a synchronizing circuit havingthree switches, three cams controlling said three switches in thesynchronizing circuit and of which two are continuously driven andcontrol, respectively, the first two of said three switches, and ofwhich the last cam is controlled by the progression of the printingplates, a third hand-operable switch, a relay controlled by the thirdhand-operable switch upon energization of one of said first two switchesin the synchronizing circuit, means whereby the last-mentioned relay isself-energized during operation of the other of said first two switchesin the synchronizing circuit, a switch controlled by said lastmentionedrelay energizing the electromagnet providing for the progression of theplates, and a further switch controlled by said last-mentioned relay andcontrolling the energization of the electromagnet controlling theprinting operation through the clutch on the cam-carrying shaft uponclosing by the last of the three cams of the corresponding switch in theenergizing circuit.

6. In an address-printing machine operating with printing plates whichare successively movable into a printing position, and each of whichcarries a plurality of lines, a plurality of separate pads, each ofwhich is aligned with and is selectively movable into operative positionrelative to one line of a plate when the plate is disposed in saidprinting position, means urging each pad toward said plate and intooperative position to effect printing of the associated line of saidplate, a rotatable shaft, a series of identical cams secured on saidshaft in rangularly shifted positions relative to one another, each ofsaid cams being operatively connected to one of said pads, said camsbeing operative upon rotation of said shaft to successively moveoperative pads away from said plate and out of operative positions atpredetermined angular positions of said shaft.

7. In an address-printing machine operating with printing plates whichare successively movable into a printing position, and each of whichcarries a plurality of lines, a plurality of separate pads each of whichis aligned with and is selectively movable into operative positionrelative to one line of a plate when the plate is disposed in saidprinting position, a series of platens disposed above said printingposition and adapted to move vertically in parallel vertical planes,each of said platens carrying at its lower end one of said pads, springsurging each of said platens downwardly tomove its corresponding pad toits operative position to effect printing of the associated line of saidplate, a shaft extending perpendicular to the vertical planes of saidplatens, a series of identical cams secured on said shaft in angularlyshifted positions relative to one another, each of said cams beingoperatively connected to one of said platens, and means for rotatingsaid shaft, each of said cams being operative during a predeterminedinterval of time to move its corresponding platen upwardly and away fromsaid printing plate, and being operative at a predetermined angularposition of said shaft to permit its corresponding platen to be moveddownwardly toward said plate by said springs.

8. In an :addressprinting machine operating with printing plates whichare successively movable into a printing position, and each of whichcarries a plurality of lines, a plurality of separate pads each ofwhichis aligned with and is selectively movable into operative positionrelative to one line of a plate when the plate is disposed in saidprinting position, a series of vertically movable platens each of whichhas an opening therethrough and which carries at its lower end one ofsaid pads, springs urging each of said platens downwardly to move itscorresponding pad toward said plate and into operative position relativeto its associated line to cause the printing of the latter, a horizontalshaft extending through the openings in said platens, a series ofidentical cams each of which is disposed inside the opening of arespective platen, and each of which is secured to said shaft inangularly shifted positions, relative to one another, means for rotatingsaid shaft, said cams being operative for dif ferent, predeterminedangular positions of said shaft, respectively, to permit said platens toremain in their operative positions, and to movesaid platens upwardlyaway from said plates, and means for selectively retaining each of saidplatens in an inactive position away from said plates to prevent theprinting of the line associated with the platen and the pad carriedthereby.

9. In an addressprinting machine operating with printing plates whichare successively movable into a printing position, and each of whichcarries a plurality of lines, a plurality of separate pads each of whichis aligned with and is selectively movable into operative positionrelative to one line of a plate when the plate is disposed in saidprint-ing position, a series of platens disposed above said printingposition and adapted to move vertically in parallel vertical planes,each of said platens carrying at its lower end one of said pads, springsurging each of said platens downwardly to move its corresponding padtoward said plate and into its operative position relative to itsassociated line to cause the printing thereof, a shaft extendingperpendicular to the vertical planes of said platens, a series ofidentical cams secured on said shaft in angularly shifted positionsrelative to one another, each 15 of said cams being operativelyconnected to one of said platens, means for rotating said shaft, saidcams being operative for different, predetermined angular positions ofsaid shaft, respectively, to permit said platens to remain in their downposition, and to move said platens upwardly away from said plate, saidplatens each having a notch in the edge thereof, a plurality of catcheseach of which is adapted to engage in the notch of a respective platenupon movement of said platen away from said plate thereby to preventsaid platen from moving downwardly under the action of said springs, andmeans for selectively disengaging individual catches from theirrespective platens to permit certain of said platens to move downwardlyto perform a printing operation.

10. In an address-printing machine as claimed in claim 9, wherein thelast-mentioned means comprises a plurality of hand-operable levers, eachof which controls one of said catches, and each of which is adapted tobe set in two positions, in one of which it causes its catch to engagethe corresponding platen to prevent its downward movement, and in theother of which it causes its catch to release the corresponding platento permit the latter to execute a printing operation.

1h 1 11. In an address-printing machine as claimed in claim 9, whereinthe last-mentioned means comprises a plurality of electromagnets, eachof which has an armature mechanically connected to one of said catches,and means for selectively energizing each of said electromagnets, eachof said e'lectromagnets upon being energized being operative todisengage its corresponding catch from a respective platen to permit thelatter to perform a printing operation.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS awa e-

6. IN AN ADDRESS-PRINTING MACHINE OPERATING WITH PRINTING PLATES WHICHARE SUCCESSIVELY MOVABLE INTO A PRINTING POSITION, AND EACH OF WHICHCARRIES A PLURALITY OF LINES, A PLURALITY OF SEPARATE PADS, EACH OFWHICH IS ALIGNED WITH AND IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE INTO OPERATIVE POSITIONRELATIVE TO ONE LINE OF A PLATE WHEN THE PLATE IS DISPOSED IN SAIDPRINTING POSITION, MEANS URGING EACH PAD TOWARD SAID PLATE AND INTOOPERATIVE POSITION TO EFFECT PRINTING OF THE ASSOCIATED LINE OF SAIDPLATE, A ROTATABLE SHAFT, A SERIES OF IDENTICAL CAMS SECURED ON SAIDSHAFT IN ANGULARLY SHIFTED POSITIONS RELATIVE TO ONE ANOTHER, EACH OFSAID CAMS BEING OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO ONE OF SAID PADS, SAID CAMSBEING OPERATIVE UPON ROTATION OF SAID SHAFT TO SUCCESSIVELY MOVEOPERATIVE PADS AWAY FROM SAID PLATE AND OUT OF OPERATIVE POSITIONS ATPREDETERMINED ANGULAR POSITIONS OF SAID SHAFT.